Buying a used Honda City (GM7) or Jazz (GP5) Hybrid - This is how you maintain one properly

First launched in 2017, the Honda City (GM7) and (GP5) Jazz Sport Hybrid i-DCD variants were Honda’s answer for buyers who wanted class-leading fuel efficiency and zippy power in a relatively affordable vehicle.

At launch the GM7 City and GP5 Jazz Hybrid were the most affordable hybrid vehicles on sale in Malaysia, crucially dipping under the RM 100k mark, priced at RM 89.2k and RM 87.5k respectively.

Also read: Review: Honda City Hybrid – electrified performance for the masses

Five years on, used GM7 City and GP5 Jazz Hybrid variants trade between approximately RM 55k to RM 65k, still offering superb value for a prospective used car buyer.  

However, most buyers are typically apprehensive about hybrids on the pretext of expensive upkeep costs and a lack of knowledge on proper maintenance. Is this the case with the 'affordable' GM7 City and GP5 Jazz Hybrid - well, not quite, let's take a closer look. 

Overview

The GM7 City and GP5 Jazz Hybrid are powered by a 1.5-litre engine i-VTEC engine producing 110 PS and 134 Nm, paired to a 22 kW / 160 Nm electric motor, delivering a total system output of 137 PS and 170 Nm. 

That's 17 PS, and 25 Nm more than the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated variants.

Drive is transferred to the front wheels via a 7-speed Dual-Clutch (dry-type) transmission.

A key difference between the preceding Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid and the  Sport Hybrid i-DCD is the latter is a full-hybrid, as opposed to the IMA hybrid which is not able to drive the car on electric power alone. 

Also read: Honda Jazz Hybrid And Honda City Hybrid – Here's What You Need To Know

Though largely similar in terms of maintenance, there are small differences between maintaining a GM7 City and GP5 Jazz Hybrid and their conventionally powered counterparts. 

The following is a simplified table of the basic maintenance schedule of the GM7 City and GP5 Jazz:

Also read: How to make your GM6 Honda City drive better... and harder

Maintenance and common problems?

Despite the general apprehension about hybrid vehicles, Honda hybrid powertrains are known to be very robust and reliable. 

Past experience with IMA models suggests that Honda hybrids are more reliable than Toyota, with fewer complaints about premature wear of the ABS pump, A/C compressor, and steering rack - which are known weak points on Toyota hybrid models. 

Also read: 5-year old used Honda Jazz Hybrid GP5 from RM 60k – Unassuming looks that belies its electrifying performance

Add to this, all GM7 City or GP5 Jazz Hybrids in Malaysia are 5 years old or less, they are still likely covered by their 5-year unlimited mileage warranties, and 8-year/200k km battery warranties. 

With that said, Singapore-based hybrid specialist HEVShop which are experienced in upkeep of many Honda hybrid Grab cars note a few preventive maintenance items that every buyer should know of before taking the plunge with GM7 City or GP5 Jazz. 

• i-DCD transmission

Most importantly, note that i-DCD transmissions on GM7 City or GP5 Jazz Hybrids require not one but two different fluids changed to ensure reliable operation. 

The first is the Honda DW-1 Ultra automatic transmission oil - this lubricates and protects the moving gears within the transmission.

Note that Honda recommends that the transmission oil is first replaced at the 160k km mark. Thereafter however, specialists recommend a shorter transmission oil change interval, every 30k - 40k km to ensure long-term reliability. 

There is a lot of heat generated in stop/start city traffic, replacing the transmission oil at shorter intervals will ensure wear and tear is reduced. 

The second is the dual-clutch actuator fluid. Much like a manual transmission, the dual-clutch actuator requires a Honda Dot 4 hydraulic fluid to properly activate and cycle through gears.

Over time, the actuator oil breaks down, losing its thermal properties, which can lead to the clutch overheating (and/or leaking into the actuator circuit) causing damage. Thus it is recommended that the actuator oil is replaced at 20k km intervals to improve longevity. 

• Electric A/C compressor

The GM7 City or GP5 Jazz Hybrids utilise an efficient electric A/C compressor which allows the A/C to operate even when the engine is turned off, unlike the preceding IMA hybrid system. 

Electric A/C compressors require a special Polyester (POE) type oil that has dielectric properties, allowing the oil to properly lubricate the compressor without damaging its electrical components. 

Replacing this oil with a conventional compressor oil (PAG type) would almost certainly damage the A/C compressor. The A/C compressor oil must be replaced at 100k km intervals to ensure longlasting reliability.

• Engine coolant

For the same reasons as above, replacing the engine coolant ensures that the engine and hybrid system function properly. 

For the GM7 City or GP5 Jazz Hybrids, Honda recommends the first coolant change at 200k km, after which, it is highly recommended that the coolant is flushed and replaced every 100k km. 

• P0420 error code/Check engine light

Perhaps the only issue that can be classified as a fault on GM7 City or GP5 Jazz Hybrids is a P0420 error code, which is prompted by a faulty catalytic converter. 

According to HEVShop, this isn't caused by a faulty catalytic converter, but rather a software error. This issue can be remedied with a Honda factory software update that recalibrates the catalytic converter sensor parameters and dials out the error code. 

What about the battery?

To the best of our knowledge - there are no reported battery issues for the GM7 City GP5 Jazz Hybrids. 

Besides some sporadic cases of powertrain-related error codes and check engine lights being reported, there are no common issues associated with the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) which houses the battery and associated electrical hardware. 

Also read: Used Honda City GM6/7 from RM 50k - C-Segment practicality, Bezza prices, how much to maintain?

With that said, it costs about RM 5,500 to replace the Li-ion hybrid battery, which is an unlikely issue unless the car is driven aggressively or abused. 

Honda hybrid systems are generally quite reliable, much of this is down to the compact and modular nature of the system.

Inverter failures are also very rare based on known history with Singapore Grab vehicles which have seen many kms. 

Therefore, with proper maintenance and sensible right foot, you can expect the hybrid battery to last the lifespan of the car – which is about 15 years / 200,000 km. Also, note that Honda (and Toyota) hybrid batteries are well known to last far longer than 200k km as well. 

Conclusion 

Besides the aforementioned maintenance, it's important to note that maintaining the GM7 City or GP5 Jazz Hybrid is not much different from the 1.5-litre ICE engine variants. 

Beyond amazing fuel efficiency, the GM7 City or GP5 Jazz Hybrid are also brilliantly practical and deliver a driving experience quite unlike their conventionally powered counterparts. 

However, buyers should properly understand the working principles of the hybrid system, and the slight differences in maintenance schedules to ensure they keep their car GM7 City or GP5 Jazz Hybrid running smoothly and safely. 

When looking for a used GM7 City or GP5 Jazz, ensure the vehicle is well-presented and has a comprehensive service history, alternatively check out these immaculate examples of the Honda City and Honda Jazz on Carsome, which are offered with lucrative cash discounts and free tinting packages for a limited time.